§ 46. Mr. Sandysasked the Home Secretary on what principle His Majesty's Government base their decision that a great part of the financial burden of instituting air-raid precaution schemes shall be borne by the local authorities?
§ Mr. LloydThe essentially local character of local schemes of air-raid precautions was explained in paragraph 7 of the Home Office circular to local authorities of 9th July, 1935, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy. At the same time the Government have undertaken to bear the whole cost of accumulating the main items of anti-gas equipment which would be required to 1286 implement local schemes and to make contributions towards the cost of additional hospital equipment and fire fighting appliances required to meet emergency conditions. The question of the general incidence of financial responsibility is now under review in the light of representations which have been made to my right hon. Friend on the subject.
§ Mr. SandysDoes my hon. Friend accept the principle that responsibility for the protection of the civilian population in any area which is attacked is the common concern of the whole country?
§ Mr. LloydI would prefer not to make a statement offhand on a subject of that nature while the whole question is under review.